Daily Read - 2 Samuel 22:1-23:23; Acts 2:1-47; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 16:19-20
   
It is phenomenal how God can take that which appears less than adequate by the world standards and turn it into something powerful and spectacular. He loves using the seemingly foolish and insignificant things in this world to astonish even the most astute. God Himself blew religious mindsets apart when He came to earth wrapped in human flesh and walked among the people. He didn't appear on a lightning bolt from heaven wearing a robe and crown, but arrived as a tiny baby in Bethlehem. God incarnate wrapped in swaddling clothes.
 
Each of us came from the very heart of God. He sent us to earth by special delivery breathing us into our mother's womb. When He looks at us, He doesn't see our inabilities, but sees our capabilities and potential because He made us in His image and likeness; after all, He is our Father!
 
In 2 Samuel, the Word gives a beautiful example of God taking the most unlikely characters and transforming them into outrageously powerful warriors for His Kingdom. In 2 Samuel 23:8-23, the Bible describes these warriors as David's mighty men. Each one has an extraordinary story of courage, valor, and strength. You find yourself shaking your head in amazement as you read through these verses describing these powerful men.
 
For example, Adino, the Eznite killed 800 men in one setting. Eleazar, the son of Dodo stood his ground against the Philistines when all of Israel retreated. He fought so ferociously that his hand literally stuck to his sword and a mighty victory was brought as a result. Abishai, the brother of Joab single-handedly struck and killed 300 men with his spear.
 
These are amazing stories of people who walked in the supernatural demonstration of God's power and might. However, let's do a little history lesson and find out who these men were when they first arrived in David's camp.
 
During the season of time that David was running and hiding from King Saul, a group of men from his father's house came to David offering their assistance. 1 Samuel 22:1-2 says, David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Therefore, when his brothers and his entire father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him. 
 
When these men showed up, they were anything but mighty, they were messed up and dysfunctional. How could this motley crew develop into such a mighty army of war? With man, it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. The Lord gave David the ability to see the greatness within each one of these tattered soldiers and being the great leader he was, He tapped into this greatness and developed it creating one of the most powerful army of men in Israel's history.
 
When you woke up this morning and looked in the mirror, you may have seen a tattered and tired soldier looking back, but God sees a warrior. You may believe your circumstances are such that you will never rise above them to make an impact for the Kingdom of God. Throughout history, God has proven your self-assessment wrong. He always takes the hopeless situations in our lives and brings beauty out of the ashes.
 
As David saw the greatness in his men, God sees the greatness in you. As a child of God, there is no such thing as being washed up and useless, for our lives are cleansed and redeemed. Our job is easy, we get to show up, and God does the rest.
 
When you say, "God, here I am reporting for duty," Holy Spirit taps in on the greatness of God inside and develops you into a mighty warrior for His Kingdom.